Best natural monuments around Elsfleth offer diverse natural experiences in Germany's Wesermarsch district. The region is characterized by its unique moor landscapes, including the Gellener Torfmöörte, which features high and low moor complexes. These areas provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna, offering insights into rare moor environments. Visitors can explore moor grasslands, ponds, and peat cuttings, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
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Northern side shortly after the exit of the Hankhauser Bäke
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The Ellernteich is a real curiosity - because this pond was created twice. The Grand Duke of Oldenburg, Peter Friedrich Ludwig, had a park built here in Rastede next to his summer residence. His son and successor, Paul Friedrich August, expanded the park in the style of an English landscape park. In the course of this, the local lowland, which was covered with alders, known in Low German as Ellern, was converted into a fish pond in 1842. How complex the undertaking was can be seen from the fact that the pond was only completed 9 years later, in 1848. When it was completed, a new line of sight was created from the castle across the Ellern and Mühlenteich ponds to the water mill.
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The Moorhauser Polder is a flood polder that stores the flood waters of the Hunte. This year the water is particularly high due to the rainfall of the last few months. You could tell from the drift on the grass that it wasn't a meter higher. The Moorhauser Polder is an El Dorado for water birds. This year 15,000 barnacle geese and 10,000 white-fronted geese rest here. It is a spectacle when they fly in in the evening with loud cries and then fly off again in the morning to look for food.
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The observation tower only slightly improves the view. It was difficult to get to the tower today. There is still a lot of water in the moor.
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The reconstruction of this prehistoric boardwalk stands on the edge of the Witte Moor. In the past, when the moor was not yet drained, there was no other way to cross it. Today everything is much easier. Some boards provide information about the history and a large seating area invites you to take a break.
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Stroll in the beautiful city park along the Ellernteich circular hiking trail. This is 4.1 km long
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From here you have a fantastically beautiful view of the polder. It's even nicer in the morning when the sun doesn't hit your face.
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The region around Elsfleth is characterized by its unique moor landscapes, particularly the Gellener Torfmöörte. This area features diverse high and low moor complexes, including moor grasslands, ponds, and peat cuttings. You can observe a rich variety of flora and fauna, such as the rare Large Emerald Dragonfly and bog arum, especially between May and July. The Moorhauser Polder Nature Reserve also offers wide views and diverse bird species.
Yes, the Prehistoric Boardwalk in Witte Moor is a significant historical site and natural monument. It features a replica and reconstruction of an ancient moorland path, offering insights into how people crossed the moor in prehistoric times. Information boards explain its history, including the discovery of rare Iron Age wooden figures.
Several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Observation Platform at Holler- und Wittemoor offers easy trails and a lookout tower to explore the moor world. Ellern Pond, located within a castle park, provides a scenic setting for walks, and children can enjoy playing on the small mountain nearby. The Moorhauser Polder Nature Reserve is also family-friendly, offering opportunities to spot various bird species.
The Observation Platform at Holler- und Wittemoor is an excellent spot, offering views over a renatured high moor. From here, you can observe typical moor plants and animals. The Moorhauser Polder Nature Reserve also provides wide, open views of wet meadows and the surrounding landscape.
The natural monuments around Elsfleth are integrated into various outdoor activity networks. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Bench at Gellener Torfmöörte – Moor hiking trails near Oldenburg' or 'Gellener Torfmöörte Moorland – View of the Wetlands' (find more at Hiking around Elsfleth). Cycling is also popular, with routes such as 'Rockenmoor-Fuchsberg – Melkhus Fuchsberg' (explore more at Cycling around Elsfleth). For runners, there are trails like 'Running loop from Gellener Torfmöörte' (see more at Running Trails around Elsfleth).
Yes, the Gellener Torfmöörte features a moor nature trail (Moorlehrpfad) designed for environmental education and leisurely exploration. It is also integrated into the 100-kilometer 'Route um Oldenburg' cycling route, making it accessible for cyclists and hikers.
The natural monuments, especially the moor landscapes, are particularly vibrant between May and July. During this period, you can best admire the bog arum (Sumpfcalla) with its large, white bracts and observe a wide variety of birds, amphibians, and dragonflies, including the rare Large Emerald Dragonfly.
Yes, the Ellern Pond and Ellernteich Fountain, Rastede Castle Park are prominent examples. These lakes are beautifully embedded within a castle park, offering serene settings for walks. The Moorhauser Polder Nature Reserve also features river and lake elements within its wet meadows.
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty. Many enjoy the wide views and diverse bird species at places like the Moorhauser Polder Nature Reserve. The historical insights provided by the Prehistoric Boardwalk in Witte Moor are also highly valued, as is the opportunity for quiet, relaxing walks through renatured moors at the Observation Platform at Holler- und Wittemoor.
Yes, for instance, the Holler- und Wittemoor nature reserve, which includes the Observation Platform, has three designated hiking trails. These trails lead you through the nature reserve, including a replica of a historical boardwalk, allowing you to explore the moor world. The Gellener Torfmöörte also features a dedicated moor nature trail.
While specific accommodations are not listed within the natural monument areas, Elsfleth and its surrounding municipalities offer various options. It's advisable to check local tourism websites for hotels, guesthouses, or holiday rentals in Elsfleth, Rastede, or Oldenburg, which are all close to the Gellener Torfmöörte and other sites.


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